Whether it’s a chilly winter morning or a gorgeous summer afternoon, the Minnesota Zoo is the perfect place to get out and explore. With several miles of scenic trails, both indoors and out, there’s always something new to see. Did you know the Zoo has several very dedicated “zoo walkers” who come and walk the trails…every day? This includes Zoo member, Dave Rodgers. Rodgers has been a Zoo member for the past three years, but has said the past six months have been more important than ever for him to get out and walk.

After undergoing years of surgery, leaving Rodgers unable to exercise during his recovery period, he was determined to get up and get healthy. Over the past six months, Rodgers has walked the trails of the Zoo daily, averaging 8-10 miles…per day! Since he has started his walking routine, he reported he has already lost 93 lbs. While walking around, he loves to meet and talk with Zoo staff, volunteers and even other Zoo guests. “There’s a great group of folks who use the Zoo to walk around and it’s great when we get to chat.” He even has a different animal t-shirt for each day of the month.

Not only is he getting his steps in, but he is taking in the scenery and learning more and more about all of the animals at the Zoo, too. “Once I reach my goal [weight], I can’t wait to start volunteering at the Zoo,” said Rodgers. “I love to read about all of the animals at the Zoo and I even do my own research online to learn even more.” He is also an avid photographer and enjoys taking photos of all the animals and organizes them in a scrapbook he made to remember his time at the Zoo.

For Dave Rodgers, the Minnesota Zoo serves as a place for wellness, a place to learning and a place for fun. “I come to the Zoo and my problems seem to melt away.”

To learn more about way you can get active at the Minnesota Zoo, click here.

Are you a Minnesota Zoo member? If so, be sure to stop by the Timber Lodge Traders gift store on your next visit and pick-up a complimentary 2016 calendar, complete with event dates and of course amazing animal photos, while supplies last.